Odegaard fires Arsenal to UCL win over Napoli

Martin Odegaard continued his impressive start to the season as the Arsenal captain scored the winner in a 1-0 Champions League victory over Napoli in Naples.

The Gunners had been wasteful in front of goal and appeared set for a frustrating draw in their first Champions League match since losing last season’s final.

But Odegaard produced a fine finish from outside the box to send Arsenal’s 1,500 travelling supporters into celebration.

The goal was his fourth in five games this season, including the Community Shield, underlining his importance to Mikel Arteta’s side.

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Arsenal had several opportunities to take control of the match before Odegaard’s decisive strike.

Mikel Merino was presented with a glorious chance to mark his first club start since January, but the Spain midfielder headed straight at Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret midway through the first half.

Bukayo Saka then lifted an effort over the bar when he appeared set to break the deadlock.

Piero Hincapie also missed a big opportunity, blazing over from inside the six-yard area.

Napoli threatened occasionally, with David Raya spilling a shot from outside the box by Kevin de Bruyne, the former Manchester City midfielder who won the Champions League in 2023.

Ben White reacted quickest to clear the danger before the hosts could capitalise.

With Arsenal facing the prospect of dropping points after their missed chances, Odegaard stepped up with a decisive finish from outside the box.

The victory gives Arsenal a strong start to their latest Champions League campaign after they won all eight group-phase matches on their way to last season’s final.

Arsenal also dominated the attacking statistics, registering 26 attempts on goal, their highest total in a single Champions League match since the start of last season.

For Napoli, the defeat was a frustrating result after they had managed to contain Arsenal for much of the contest.

Hincapie dropped to his knees and thumped the ground with his hands after the final whistle as Arsenal celebrated an important away victory.